Good Fruit Grower

November 2015

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54 NOVEMBER 2015 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com LAST BITE More Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg Jake Robison grower / Chelan, Washington age / 26 crops / Apples, pears, and cherries business / Robison Orchards family background / Jake grows tree fruit on 120 acres. He's the son of Dave and Karla Robison and nephew to Allen Robison. " " " " What was your path to farming? When I was growing up, I would ride around on the four-wheeler in the orchard, learning and helping Dad out. After high school I joined the Army. It was a good life experience, especially considering I chose to become a mechanic, thinking I could use those skills on the farm. Does military experience help you today? The military taught me a lot of leadership skills. I had the opportunity to work for sergeants I respected and sergeants that I didn't care for. Through their examples I learned how to communicate and be a good boss. I don't have to be a mean, angry boss to get things done. Having the skills to direct crews in the fi eld is invaluable. What are some of your priorities since returning? I'm in the middle of setting up a business plan. We are expanding our acreage and it's been a challenge going through the process of fi nding employees who know what they are doing. Part of being new, I've found that getting the right network of busi- ness connections and putting the right people where you need them in the company is a very important thing. What would you tell other young growers? I'm learning to constantly look at returns and prices. You may get stuck with a variety and you feel like, "I love it and I'm sure it's going to make a comeback," but that feeling may not be reality. To make sure, you need to look at the numbers and fi nd varieties that do work for you in your location and market. " Be prepared to be looking at change. ...you need to �ind ways to stay competitive. PLAY goodfruit.com/yg scan to watch the interview www.gslong.com SPONSORED BY 54 NOVEMBER 2015 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com by TJ Mullinax More from this interview and other Young Growers at goodfruit.com/yg.

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